Learning life lessons
Not only has the pandemic caused widespread financial problems, but the uncertainties surrounding life and work have also plunged artists into fear and anxiety.
For example, in early 2020 Zun Ei had invitations for various residencies, but could not take them up because there were no international flights. Nevertheless, she has decided to respond to the pandemic through arts activities. In April and May, she devoted herself to her own mental peace, refraining from physical action and even temporarily ceasing to create art. As a Buddhist, she sought to focus on meditation, learning from the scriptures. Being a qualified art therapist, she even subjected herself to a course of therapy. “I know I have to look on the bright side. Life has to go on.”
“Death can happen to anyone anytime. It’s just that we all neglected this fact until Covid broke out.” The pandemic served as a timely reminder. Inspired by it, she decided to run three workshops on “fear,” where participants will be invited to explore what that feeling means.
As for Pat, he’s regaining his sense of balance through Buddhist teachings. “During a pandemic like this, you would expect people to go and find new jobs or other sources of income, but we Buddhists seek to reconcile ourselves to adverse circumstances.” Pat thinks that we may as well return to a simpler life. “Farming is also a way of life, and in the current crisis this has brought families together to enjoy each other’s company.”
For her part, Shiu is making her studio function in a different way. “My colleagues and I are currently planning virtual exchange programs.” This project, in which Shiu describes her role as that of a matchmaker, aims to turn the studio into an online platform that helps to connect Taiwanese and international artists, encouraging them to exchange ideas and experiences, with a view to facilitating further collaborations.
Shiu believes that the “abnormal” phenomena brought about by the pandemic may become the new normal. Creative practitioners, she thinks, have to adapt to these changes soon and find their own ways forward.
“Artists are by no means useless, but they need to change with the times and bring service to society and educational activities within their compass.” Shiu thinks that in times of crisis, artists can unleash tremendous creative power, turning art into a kind of service, or transforming arts spaces into online platforms. In doing so, we’re likely to spot a silver lining to this global pandemic.